Ocean Nova, Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings ex Reykjavik to Nuuk

Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings ex Reykjavik to Nuuk

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Begin Your Adventure
Your journey begins in the late afternoon, following a day of independent exploration and arrival in the captivating city of Reykjavík.

Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital was established in the year 874 CE.

Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound.

The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.

Day 2: At Sea
Set Sail like the Vikings
Watch for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait.

You’ll be truly in the wake of the Vikings as we journey westward from Iceland.

The on-board learning program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that await you in Greenland!

Day 3: Sea Ice
Experience the Arctic's Icy Majesty
Spend the day sailing through sea ice, taking in the dramatic beauty of the Arctic. This is the perfect opportunity to get out on deck to search for Arctic wildlife and seabirds—who sometimes follow our ship’s course! As we make our way towards Greenland’s rugged shores, enjoy fascinating facts and insights from your expert expedition team, who will bring this remote region to life.

Day 4–6: Southeast Greenland
Witness Fjords, Icebergs, and Whales
Explore the remote reaches of southeast Greenland by ship, in Zodiacs, and on land.

Your first views of this seldom-visited region will reveal a stunning coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice.

Whether on foot, on shore, or on the ship, our expert expedition team will be by your side, sharing their extensive knowledge and insights. Join them out on deck to keep a keen eye out for iconic Arctic wildlife, including the polar bears, seals, and humpback whales. Learn from their expertise as they provide fascinating interpretation and help you gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Day 7: Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)
Marvel at Mountains and Glaciers
Make the most of your time out on deck, as our experts scout for opportunities to go ashore along this breathtaking landscape.

Soak in the natural beauty of one of the world’s most majestic waterways, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound), where the Irminger and Labrador Seas join through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago.

Here, craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers.

Day 8: Brattahlíð
Tour a Reconstructed Norse Settlement
Visit the fascinating Brattahlíð, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the most fertile region of Greenland. Wander through a reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse to fully immerse yourself in the Viking experience.

Once home to Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s, Brattahlíð is now managed by Greenlandic Inuit, who continue to work the sheep farms originally established by the Norse settlers.

Day 9–10: South Greenland
Explore Dramatic Landscapes
South Greenland lives up to its namesake; here, the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. This is a region where jagged mountains rise dramatically from green pastures, and sheep farms border the stunning ice fjords. The fjords here are nothing short of breathtaking, with their deep blue waters and towering cliffs creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for every adventure.

As we explore, whether by Zodiac or on foot, we’ll be surrounded by this remarkable landscape, where Norse history intersects with contemporary Greenlandic life. The fjords add an unparalleled sense of beauty and serenity to the journey, making every moment unforgettable.

Day 11: Sermersooq
Enjoy Birdwatching and Zodiac Cruising
Explore the Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit.

Here you’ll find a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords, with records of human habitation that stretch back over 1,500 years.

Keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals while you enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.

Day 12–13: Nuuk
Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés
Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest.

The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.

Here is where you will complete your journey. Transfer by Zodiac to shore, then ride to the airport by bus for your charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Imagine waking up to breathtaking sea views through your cabin windows, each one whispering promises of adventure. Built in Denmark in 1992 for Greenland's icy waters, this ship sails with a lighter carbon footprint than most expedition vessels. Its crown jewel? A glass-enclosed lounge with sweeping 200-degree views--perfect for whale watching and seabird spotting. Prefer the outdoors? The open decks are a dream for photographers and scenery lovers. With a shallow draft and easy Zodiac access, you'll spend more time exploring and less time ferrying. Meals feature open seating and ocean views, with globally inspired options to suit all tastes-including vegetarian and fish dishes. Desserts, made fresh daily, are a highlight. Special diets? We've got you covered! On the Ocean Nova, every moment connects you to nature, each other, and discovery.

Founded in 1987, Adventure Canada was created to bring travellers to Canada's "blank spaces", those areas whose remoteness alone made them special. Over the last fifteen years, along with our guests, we have discovered that there is so much that is extraordinary about the places we travel, from the landscape, wildlife and culture to the history, art and archeology that is unique to every destination. It is our belief that there is so much to see “beyond the binoculars” that drives us to delve deeper into our favourite places with every expedition and continually seek out new destinations.

We travel by small expedition ship, the best suited mode of transportation for remote exploration. The number of passengers on our voyages run between 45 and 100, depending on the ship we choose. We believe that these small vessels are superior, as they not only allow us to gain access to places not accessible by larger vessels, but our fleet of Zodiac landing craft permit us to visit some of the most remote places imaginable - the key to expeditionary travel.